There has been great sadness following the unexpected passing of a devoted father and talented chef.

Christopher Oldcroft died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 11.

He was the Head Chef of The Moorings Restaurant, Bellanaleck managed by his father, Charlie Oldcroft.

The pair marked seven years at the helm together earlier this year.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Oldcroft family confirmed Christopher’s death: “A lot of you will know our wonderful son Christopher.

“As well as being our son, Christopher is our Head Chef and the main man who developed and built the restaurant since we opened in 2017. He is The Moorings Restaurant.

“On Sunday past [August 11] we lost our beautiful and beloved son.

"We have no words to describe how we are feeling right now. We are just numb and broken.

“A lot of you will also know our nine-year-old grandson, Jaxon, who has lost his Daddy. He is so precious to us and he is being so brave just now."

The Oldcroft family have received a wave of support from customers following Mr. Oldcroft's death.

Thanking those who have contacted them, the family posted: “We have received a lot of messages of sympathy and support and we thank you so much for thinking about us.”

Funeral arrangements will be carried out by Hugh Wade & Son, Coleraine.